Rifles for Watie

Set during the American Civil War, the plot revolves around Jefferson Davis Bussey who is sixteen and caught up in the events of history. Actual historical personages (e.g. Generals Stand Watie and James G. Blunt) and battles (e.g. Wilson’s Creek and Prairie Grove) are seen from the viewpoint of an ordinary soldier, enabled by the choice of protagonist. Harold Keith spent many years interviewing Civil War veterans and visiting the sites depicted in the book, resulting in an authenticity that is rare for historical fiction that targets a young adult audience.

The setting, west of the Mississippi, is also not typical of Civil War novels, so the reader gets a perspective on the war not generally available in other books, let alone one found in children’s books.

Plot summary

Jefferson Davis Bussey marches off to Leavenworth from Linn County, Kansas in 1861, on his way to join the Union volunteers. He’s off to fight for the North; his zeal having been fueled by reaction to the guerilla war of “bushwhackers” that was taking place in eastern Kansas. However, Stand Watie is on the side of the South. We meet many soldiers and civilians on both sides of the war, including Watie’s raiding parties, itinerant printer Noah Babbitt and, in Tahlequah, Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) the beautiful Cherokee girl, Lucy Washbourne.

Jeff’s story is notable as he eventually winds up fighting for both the North and the South (while on a special undercover mission) at different times during the conflict while making new friends on each side. It is also notable for the detailed depiction of contemporary Cherokee life in Indian Territory, including various tribal political factions. During an undercover mission Jeff finds that Captain Asa Clardy of the Union Cavalry is smuggling new Spencer rifles to the Indian forces of Stand Watie. Keith portrays how Jeff Bussey, in the midst of huge conflicts, had to choose one side or another at various times and how this was not always as simple as it may seem in historical hindsight.

Characters

Jefferson (Jeff) Davis Bussey – the protagonist. Originally an infantry private but later his whole company is trained as cavalrymen. After a long secret mission and daring escape he is promoted to sergeant and sent home.

Lee Washbourne – Lucy’s brother, a Confederate soldier and scout. Killed by a firing squad in which Jeff unknowingly took a part. Jeff, however, did not shoot and did not realize that it was Lee, whom he had heard about from Lucy and Mrs. Washbourne, until he saw Lee’s name engraved on his watch.

Noah Babbitt – an itinerant printer, older than Jeff, and a Union soldier and a lover of nature.

Stand Watie – historical character, the last Confederate general to surrender at the war’s end. His forces are described as “using old British one shot Enfield’s and double barrel shotguns.” The use of Spencer repeaters could mean a victory against Union soldiers.

David Gardner – Jeff’s hometown friend who joins the Union Army with him.

John Chadwick – Another of Jeff’s hometown friends who joins the Union Army with him.

Captain Asa Clardy – Jeff’s commanding officer in the Union Army, and a major antagonist against Jeff. He is the one smuggling the Spencer Rifles to the Rebels. Eventually found killed and exposed postmortem as a traitor.

Heifer Hobbs – company cook and mentor for Jeff in the rebel army of Stand Watie. He stands up for Jeff when Sergent Fields accuses Jeff of being a Union spy.

Bill Earle – A singer who served with Jeff made in the war, on the Union side

Stuart Mitchell – A Union P.O.W who was able to escape from Watie’s men and enlist in Jeff’s unit.

Pete Millholland – An older gentleman who is elected as Jeff’s squad leader. He’s killed by Rebels while cooking supper in Choctaw country

Jimmy – The 14-year-old drummer boy for the Union army. He is critically injured and later dies on Christmas Day

Edith Bussey – Jeff’s Mom

Emory Bussey – Jeff’s father

Ring – Jeff’s dog in Kansas

Dixie – A dog owned by a rebel who is killed at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Jeff befriends her and keeps her, later leaving her with Lucy Washbourne.